The most traveled Holiday in North America is Thanksgiving. For many people, Thanksgiving brings nostalgia with a desire of being Home and embracing our roots. It is a time of re-gatherings with family, a time to reflect, nurture gratitude, count blessings, and the partaking of feasting with traditional foods.

As we reflect upon Thanksgiving, traveling, and the destination of being home, we think upon the Psalms of Ascent. These Psalms recorded in Psalms 120– 134 were sang as the Jewish People traveled to Jerusalem for the feast. These are Psalms of degrees that motivated these Sojourners to stay focused on their primary purpose. The primary purpose is to worship God. There was fortitude to embrace to get to their destination but also joy to pursue as they traveled. We encourage you to meditate on these Psalms of Ascent as you enjoy this season of Thanksgiving & also reflect on your own personal journey of HOMEWARD BOUND. (Hebrews 13:14)

We have also listed a few Travel Tips. These are vital for the wise Sojourner. We must be careful how we travel, and whom we travel with.

1. Stay Prepared. Location can change in a split second. Eternity is only a heartbeat away. Our life on this side is but a vapor. Sometimes we may think we have all the time in the world, but it can be gone in a blink of an eye. We cannot estimate how long it will take for us to get there. (James 4:14)

2. Do not get attached to things and store up treasures here. (Matthew 6:19-21) Your treasure is where your heart is at.

3. In the midst of chaos, tribulations, trials, & increasing evil, there is joy as we sojourn. The old hymn, “There’s within my heart a melody, Jesus whispers sweet and low, fear not I am with you, peace be still, in all life’s ebbs and flow. Jesus, Jesus, sweetest Name I know, fills my every longing and keeps me singing as I go.” It is imperative to allow Him to fill us every day. (Isaiah 26:3)

4. Make the transit time count. We are Ambassadors for The Lord. Our ambition and passion should be to take many others with us. We love this testimony about William Booth, The Founder of The Salvation Army. “Once while traveling, William Booth’s ride was stopped and detained. He took advantage of the opportunity and exhorted some idle factory workers. He said, “Some of you men never pray, you gave up praying a long time ago. But I say to you, Won’t you pray for your children? That they may be different? Within minutes, seven hundred men knelt in silent prayer.” You never know whom you will impact for all of Eternity. (Daniel12:3)

5. Some items are not meant for travel, and they will weigh you down. Be wise in what you carry with you. Throw out offenses. Forgive quickly with help from Holy Spirit. Do not keep score and do not compete with others. Clothe in humility, it makes for insured Grace. (James 4:6)

6. We should aim to gather. Family was ordained by God. Do not forsake the assembling of yourselves together especially as you see the day approaching. (Hebrews 10:25). We are to assemble as The Body of Christ to stir each other up in love and encourage one another in our faith as we travel Home. One of the Psalms of Ascents, Psalm 133 speaks of a blessing where there is unity.

7. Why are we longing for home anyway? He has placed Eternity in our hearts. We are longing for a city whose maker is God. We were made to worship. We are truly inwardly longing for our Father in Heaven. Psalm 63:1

8. Jesus paid your travel & entrance fee. Make your election sure. Cultivate your relationship with Your Travel Guide and study the instruction manual. (Psalm 119:105) “Your Word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” We need light to navigate through his dark world. Our relationship is deepened as we meet with The Lord in prayer and study His Word. He is faithful to give us direction as we travel.

Our deepest longings will never be satisfied here. This world is not our home. The longings we feel are for something far greater than this present earth can satisfy.